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VICTORIA
– B.C. has proclaimed May 13 Licensed
Practical Nurses Day to recognize the valuable contributions practical nurses
make to patient care in communities across this province, Health Minister
George Abbott announced today.
“Since 2001, the number of licensed practical nurses in B.C. has
increased by more than 42 per cent to 6,741,” said Abbott. “Licensed practical nurses are
integral members of health-care teams across B.C. and declaring a day in their
honour allows us to recognize the important work licensed practical nurses do
every day to help ensure that we meet the health-care needs of British
Columbians.”
Licensed
practical nurses represent the second-largest group of nurses in this province
after registered nurses. Practical nurses work in a variety of health-care
settings, including residential care facilities, home or community care and
hospitals, and generally work under the guidance of a physician or registered nurse.
“Licensed Practical Nurses Day provides a perfect opportunity to create
awareness of the collaborative role practical nurses play in providing the best
patient care to British Columbians,” said Elaine Baxter, executive director of
the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of B.C. “Practical nurses make
significant contributions to nursing care delivery in this province and work
closely with their patients in fulfilling a variety of roles, from basic
nursing care in facilities to co-ordinating home support services.”
The
designation of Licensed Practical Nurses Day coincides with National Nursing
Week in Canada. Since 1985, the second week of May has been designated National
Nursing Week and provides Canadians with an opportunity to celebrate nursing
and to honour nurses across the country.
The
Province has invested $174 million in the B.C. Nursing Strategy since 2001 to
help educate, retain and recruit the best qualified nurses. The Nursing
Strategy provides support to licensed practical nurses, registered nurses,
registered psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners.
For
more information about B.C.’s Nursing Strategy, please visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/ndirect/nstrategies.html.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Health 250 812-5571 (cell) 250 952-1887 (media line) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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